Theresa M. Goetz, PE
Theresa M. Goetz, PE is a seasoned civil engineer and the Principal of Goetz Group LLC, where she leads with a strong commitment to customer-focused transportation solutions and community-centered infrastructure planning. With more than a decade of engineering and project management experience across the St. Louis region, she has contributed to major roadway, bridge, and mobility initiatives that support the safety, connectivity, and long-term resilience of Missouri’s transportation systems. Her leadership reflects a deep understanding that infrastructure is more than construction—it is a lifeline for the families, businesses, and communities who rely on it every day.
Before founding Goetz Group, Theresa served in key roles at Horner & Shifrin, Lochmueller Group, AECOM, and Benesch, where she advanced from civil engineer to project manager and assistant regional manager. Her expertise spans multimodal planning, transportation operations, and community engagement, and she is known for blending technical precision with the ability to navigate complex stakeholder needs. She regularly engages with organizations such as MoDOT, Trailnet, and local coalitions working to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, reflecting her dedication to creating safer streets and more accessible mobility options for all.
Beyond her professional work, Theresa is an active community member who believes in service, family, and giving back. She participates in local events such as Pedal Pantry, supporting food security initiatives and promoting cycling advocacy throughout St. Louis. A graduate of Missouri University of Science and Technology, she remains grounded in the values of collaboration, integrity, and public service—qualities that continue to guide her work as she builds a firm dedicated to thoughtful, people-first infrastructure solutions.
• Missouri University of Science and Technology- B.A.
• American Public Works Association and other outreach and advocacy groups across St. Louis. She is also connected with professionals working in urban planning
• Airport EEO programs
• And community development. Additionally
• She often participates in food bank volunteer events and industry networking gatherings that strengthen collaboration across engineering
• Planning
• And construction.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to staying authentic, leading with integrity, and committing to fair, honest work—never pretending to have skills I don’t, but instead building trust, hiring the right people, and showing up transparently for my clients. The support of mentors, the relationships I’ve built in the St. Louis engineering community, and my passion for creating safer, more equitable infrastructure have all played a major role in shaping the engineer and leader I am today.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my mentor, Joe Emmerich, who taught me the value of quiet, behind-the-scenes service without seeking recognition. His example, along with the support of peers in the St. Louis engineering community, inspired me to lead with humility, focus on meaningful impact, and build strong relationships as I grew Goetz Group.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to confidently pursue leadership roles without waiting for permission, seek mentors, ask questions, and build strong networks—because women bring valuable perspectives that drive more thoughtful, human-centered engineering solutions.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is breaking in as a small business owner and navigating programs like DBE certification while earning trust in an industry often dominated by large firms. At the same time, there are exciting opportunities to advance community-focused, sustainable transportation, mentor young engineers, and support women entering traditionally male-dominated roles.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are fairness, transparency, and community responsibility, both in my work and personal life. I prioritize doing work that genuinely helps people, designing safe and accessible infrastructure, and creating a company culture that supports family balance, flexibility, and well-being.